1 August Day 8

Today was our final day at the centre for disabled children. we finished the paintings we had drawn on the wall (Some featured above)

We gave the centre a few different things like a new basketball

, toy farm animals, toy dinasours ect. the centre gratefully accepted our toys and have said now they have new resources to teach the kids different things.

Tommorrow we start our first day at the libary currently we beleive we are painting a room and decoratings it. Even thought this is a 45 minute boat ride we are now spending two days in a different town.

Some important information for anyone who is following our route. we have sadly had to remove day 23 (16th august) from the trip and replace it with an extra travel day to now give us 4 days in the jungle instead of 3. this was actually suggested by world challenge due to most of the other groups took 4 days as it is also the rainy season here so its alot harder to do so the extra day is needed.

The day that we removed was the mountain pine ridge trek as no one wanted to remove the day at the mayan ruins from the trip. As that was only other day available to remove which would then in a way defeat the purpose of the trip.

31 July Day 6

this is a picture of a sports day takin in San Jose after this the 6 year olds had to do two very long laps of the streets in the blazing sun ( we wouldn´t have stood a chance)

Today we woke up at 6 to do our biggest adventure yet. Even if it did take us slightly longer than intended to find the Centre for Disabled children in San Jose. We as a team spent a day going out buying diffrent supplies (Chain to fix a tyre swing, Nappies for the kids and plenty on paint for the paintings of diffrent animal we have drawn on the wall) Miss Woodbridge has told me to mention she has drawn a wonderfull giraffe. Britneys artistic talents also came in to good use.








As something a bit diffrent we managed to get a ride back to hostel on the back of a toyota flat bed truck with metal supports around the side. We did check this was safe to use before we did so. But this was a new experiance as this is the major wayt of traveling between local towns.





We would also like to mention it is Simons Birthday. He did get to celebrate in style with cake and cards (we even found time to buy another bag of marshmellows)





Once again we are having another massive downpore (Miss Woodbridge is annoyed with Grace Hurley for not advising her to put on waterproof trousers). We will be drenched by the time we return to the hotel. But the thunder and Lightning are still very impressive.





Tommorrow we return to the Centre for Disabled Children for our final day there and to finish paintings. then on saturday we are going to work at the libary.

Wed 30th Day 5

Well today was a travel day.

we all got up at 8ish and had a nice cereal breakfast. before finishing of the packing of bags
the bus arrived at 9 we all borded on for a 3 hour bus ride through the beautiful mountain ranges to get to th second biggest lake in america also known as Lake Atitlan we then took a 40 minute boat ride to San Pedro we are now seattled in a very nice looking hostel for 6 days.

we were only there an hour when a lovely thunder and lightning (fork and sheet) storm hit.

we are looking now for a place to try some local food of San Pedro.

Tommorrow we are now looking at instead of doing 4 days at the libary as it is a 45 minute boat ride away from San Pedro to spend Thurs and Fri at a school for disabled children in San Pedro. But do Sat and Monday at the libary.

We are trying to keep sunday free so we can explore the local surroundings. Then tuesday we travel again to Xela the next phase of the trip.

Tuesday 29th Day 4

Just started again and the power went again!

Up at 4.35am, at least some of us were, to make breakfast. Fresh pineapples, bananas and plums and cereals. By 6.05 we were on the bus to El Pacaya, supposedly the most spectacular, active volcano in Guatemala.

Excuse me, but bloody amazing! First view of the volcano puffing smoke out of its perfect cone. As we got closer it became more eerie. The volcano is part of a range , emerging grey from the early morning mists.

We continue closer, passing through villages with goatherds on horseback. Winding up and down hills, being overtaken by flying chicken buses. Saw some birds that looked like buzzards. They weren´t but it reminded me that we have seen almost no wildlife. No spiders, flies, cockroaches, or animals of any description other than dogs and chickens.

Got to the foot of the volcano and picked up 4 hitch-hikers who climbed onto the top of the bus. Drove up a dirt track bordered by coffee plantations. As we drove higher the road got blacker and bumpier. Seemingly mad people live on these slopes, probably the equivalent of our flood planes though definitely more dangerous.

When we park we are met by scores of urchins trying to sell us cut sticks to help us on our journey, but we all decline. Quite a steep start to the trek, but it levels out and we lose the accompanying ponies and riders who were the ambulance in case we needed them. The landscape was amazing. Started through trees and rich vegetation, path - fine black grit. First sight of lava wall through the trees. This was from the last eruption 2 years ago. Vegetation suddenly stops and then a vista from Lord of the Rings. Is this Mordor? Rock folded like double cream. Heat under the feet was incredible. Guide threw branch into fissure and it burst into flames. Then we toasted marshmallows in the heat. What an experience! What a taste! First payback and a memory to last a lifetime.

Came back down on a steep path through the trees and undergrowth. Having to slide on our bottoms. This kept Britney happy, who was craving action. I think she wanted some near death experience, not for herself, of course, but something that would get the helicopter out.

Off on the project phase tomorrow. Lake Atitlan. Aldous Huxley described it as the most beautiful lake in the world. Can´t wait.

Mon 28 Day 3

Sorry no update yesterday- got back late, so hopefully double dose today, but just had a storm that knocked out all electricity in Antigua and I lost the post I was creating. So trying again.

Pancakes coffee and juice for breakfast again today. Then met our guide, Lewis (Bruce) Lee, who took us on a took mus on a tour of the city. Made our way to a vantage point where we could look out over the maze of streets to the volcanos beyond. Back down the hill and into the dusty streets. Visited a jade factory where Neil tried to find a present for Sue, but only got himself some cufflinks!

The city is manic. Cars, scooters, chicken buses everywhere. Riders never wear crash helmets, but are seen carrying children and/or chickens under their arms as they drive. Strat dogs everywhere.

Went to plaza for evening meal, but disappointed as we had expected street vendors and music. Nevertheless, found a nice basic cafe and had a good meal. Others had Burger King! What are we here for?

Anthony provided todays best entertainment. Chuffed to have bartered a street vendor down from $30 down to $10 for a flute, beads and a purse. Within seconds some of the beads came off. Then the bead purse leaked dye onto his hands. Finally the deet he sprayed on the flute took the stain off and on to his face. He tried hard to play it, but no success. Thought he had done it, but it was Simon blowing across the spout of his water bottle.

Britney´s quote of the day - ¨Dont be over dramatic¨

Day 2

Finally worked out that we are 7 hours behind you so got up at 7am instead of 8am as we had intended. Went for breakfast and had pancakes and coffee. These luxuries could not continue however and we were reduced to ndry bread with processed meat and Kraft cheese slices for lunch.

Met the in-country agent. Told us there had to be a change to the itinerary so we are no longer going up the tallest peaks. Apparently a young child went missing and the locals are blaming tourists. Now likely going to a peake 1000m lower but a lot steeper.

Spent the day doing business: confirming and paying for transport, getting a sim card and fuel etc and exploring the city. The city is amazing: just so different to anything any of us have experienced before. Some of the old colonnial buildings are beautiful, but also quite shabby when you look closely. The city is surrounded by mountains and volanoes. Weather is manageable but very hot at midday.

Britney has made her usual impact on everyone she has met: from the American flight attendant that she corrected over his English - Its RUBBISH not TRASH- to the cleaners around the hostel that she shouts HOLA to at every opportunity.

Typical English going for a pizza later.

This internet cafe is attached to the hostel so will try to find time to update again before we move to more remote areas in a couple of days time.

Travel Day

Up at 4.45 and away by 6.00, but delays at Houston. Finally got to our hostel at about 6.30 your time on Sunday morning. One or two slight hiccoughs en-route, but all here safely. Hostel is BASIC.